Chapter 35

Lyra’s POV

I held my breath so long I feared I might pass out. My chest tightened, panic fluttering in my ribs, but what truly stole my voice was how close Alistair stood. My teeth instinctively clamped down on my lower lip, tiny jabs of pain anchoring me to the moment. Then his sharp, guttural exclamation cut through the silence.

“Fuck, Lyra!” His voice sounded hoarse, strained—as though he were fighting through pain just to speak. “Are you doing that on purpose?”

I blinked up at him, bewildered. “Huh?” I whispered, my words faint against the pounding in my ears. But before he could explain, his long fingers grazed my trembling lips. A chill raced down my spine, hot and cold in one strange wave. He closed his eyes as though steeling himself, and then abruptly spun away.

“You need to eat. I’ll be in my room. If you need anything, call the maids.” Without another word, he walked out, his steps echoing down the hall.

I stood there for minutes—five,